"We really didn’t expect to have this kind of season, this record, or to be here tonight," said Patriots Head Coach JJ Santa Cruz, "So we can hold our heads high for what we’ve been able to accomplish as a team and one of the best families I’ve ever had." The Temecula Prep Patriots, after winning their third straight Majestic League title with a 12-1 season record, lost 78-43 in the first round of CIF-SS Division 5A playoffs to the newest cross-town team, Rancho Christian Eagles, who are in only their second season.

The Eagles jumped out to an early lead 20-6 in the first quarter. "Coach Santa Cruz is a very good coach and makes great use of his talent," said Eagles Coach Ray Barefield, "They made some adjustments and made a great run in the second quarter." Temecula Prep outscored Rancho Christian 18-16 in that period, but Rancho Christian made some adjustments of their own at halftime and dominated play in the third quarter 23-10, scoring on 11 of 14 attempts, eight of those lay-ups. Sophomore guard Ja’mel McMahon scored eleven of his 26 points in that period. He shot 71% in the game. "Ja’mel is hungry to be a good player," said Barefield, "He played well." McMahon also had five steals.

"Their quickness was too much," said Santa Cruz, "and we closed out way too hard in the beginning." Size was also a factor as 6’ 8" center Terrell Fuller had 17 points, 10 rebounds and four blocked shots; 6’ 7" teammate Matthew Wager had eight rebounds and five blocked shots. Michael Adams had 11 points. Freshmen Trace Redfield and Jamal Brower added 10 and 6 points , respectively. Brower also had 11 assists.

The Patriots were led by juniors Jordan Santa Cruz (15 points, including three 3’s) and Kylle Vitor (11 points), and 6’ 5" senior Zach Franklin who finished with 13 points and nine rebounds.

Freelance Rancho Christian (14-13) advanced to play #11 Desert Christian Academy (18-8, Victory League Champions) on Friday and lost 88-79. McMahon had 30 points and "JB" Brower had 17; Fuller had 15 rebounds but was held to six points on the night. Wager contributed five points and ten rebounds. Desert Christian had four players in double figures, shooting almost 60% from the floor on the night.

Congratulations to the second-year team for making it to the second round of CIF-SS playoffs!

Eagles Advance with Win Over Patriots, 78-43

"We really didn’t expect to have this kind of season, this record, or to be here tonight," said Patriots Head Coach JJ Santa Cruz, "So we can hold our heads high for what we’ve been able to accomplish as a team and one of the best families I’ve ever had." The Temecula Prep Patriots, after winning their third straight Majestic League title with a 12-1 season record, lost 78-43 in the first round of CIF-SS Division 5A playoffs to the newest cross-town team, Rancho Christian Eagles, who are in only their second season.

The Eagles jumped out to an early lead 20-6 in the first quarter. "Coach Santa Cruz is a very good coach and makes great use of his talent," said Eagles Coach Ray Barefield, "They made some adjustments and made a great run in the second quarter." Temecula Prep outscored Rancho Christian 18-16 in that period, but Rancho Christian made some adjustments of their own at halftime and dominated play in the third quarter 23-10, scoring on 11 of 14 attempts, eight of those lay-ups. Sophomore guard Ja’mel McMahon scored eleven of his 26 points in that period. He shot 71% in the game. "Ja’mel is hungry to be a good player," said Barefield, "He played well." McMahon also had five steals.

"Their quickness was too much," said Santa Cruz, "and we closed out way too hard in the beginning." Size was also a factor as 6’ 8" center Terrell Fuller had 17 points, 10 rebounds and four blocked shots; 6’ 7" teammate Matthew Wager had eight rebounds and five blocked shots. Michael Adams had 11 points. Freshmen Trace Redfield and Jamal Brower added 10 and 6 points , respectively. Brower also had 11 assists.

The Patriots were led by juniors Jordan Santa Cruz (15 points, including three 3’s) and Kylle Vitor (11 points), and 6’ 5" senior Zach Franklin who finished with 13 points and nine rebounds.

Freelance Rancho Christian (14-13) advanced to play #11 Desert Christian Academy (18-8, Victory League Champions) on Friday and lost 88-79. McMahon had 30 points and "JB" Brower had 17; Fuller had 15 rebounds but was held to six points on the night. Wager contributed five points and ten rebounds. Desert Christian had four players in double figures, shooting almost 60% from the floor on the night.

Congratulations to the second-year team for making it to the second round of CIF-SS playoffs!